Auckland sits on a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata and Manukau harbors. Its volcanic landscape includes Maungawhau/Mount Eden, the city's highest point, Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill and Maungarei/Mount Wellington. Browse Queen Street or Parnell's galleries and boutiques, visit the Sky Tower, and take a harbor cruise to see why it's the "City of Sails," then enjoy its restaurants, bars and cafes.

The "Bay of Islands" was how Captain Cook described this area two centuries ago and the simplicity of his name masks the diversity of its charms. The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in the country with 144 islands, secluded bays and abundance of marine life. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since author Zane Grey publicized it in the 1930s.

From Tauranga's beaches and Mount Maunganui, travel to Rotorua for geothermal wonders and Māori heritage: Te Puia's geysers, mud pools, native bush, a recreated early Māori village, and a kiwi conservation center. South of Rotorua, hike the redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest, or head to Waikato to see the Hobbiton Movie Set, the Shire from Peter Jackson's Tolkien films.

The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, are unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colorful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see. Within the region are more than twenty of New Zealand's finest vineyards.

Wellington, New Zealand's "Creative Capital," is a compact city at the south end of the North Island, rich in Victorian architecture, museums, theaters, and galleries. See Weta Workshop and Parliament, enjoy excellent coffee and craft beer in laneway cafes and pubs, take in harbor-and-mountain views from Mt. Victoria, ride the cable car to the botanic gardens, and visit Te Papa and Zealandia for insights into New Zealand's culture and nature.

Experience Christchurch, a city transformed after the 2010-11 earthquakes. Its rebuilt center blends striking modern architecture with some of New Zealand's oldest buildings and vibrant murals. Stroll Hagley Park and its lush Botanic Garden, then explore the Arts Centre's galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Drive across Canterbury's emerald plains to a working sheep farm and watch champion New Zealand sheepdogs herd by whistled command.

Dunedin is a remarkably preserved Victorian city at the head of a fiord-like inlet, surrounded by lush green hills. Fueled by the 1860s Otago gold rush, it became New Zealand's largest and wealthiest city, and the first with gaslight, water mains, hydro power, and steam trams. Explore the rugged Otago Peninsula for geological wonders, fur seals, and yellow-eyed penguins, visit Larnach Castle, and enjoy Dunedin's Victorian and Edwardian stone buildings, local crafts, and Kiwi cuisine.

On Tasmania's northwest coast, Burnie is a self-described "city of makers and creators" with an industrial past, dramatic nature reserves, and local cheese and whiskey. Explore the Burnie Regional Museum's Federation Street, Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area, and a wildlife park for wombats, sugar gliders and Tasmanian devils. See platypuses at Fern Glade Reserve or head to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Split by the Yarra River, this European-leaning Australian city blends obvious and hidden charms. The CBD is easy to explore by tram and on foot, especially historic Collins Street with Gothic buildings and skyscrapers. Visit Fitzroy Gardens, learn its gold-rush past at Melbourne Museum, browse Queen Victoria Market, and duck into laneways for cafes and shops. Its diversity shines in places like St Kilda, Carlton's Lygon Street, and Richmond's Vietnamese eateries.

Split by the Yarra River, this European-leaning Australian city blends obvious and hidden charms. The CBD is easy to explore by tram and on foot, especially historic Collins Street with Gothic buildings and skyscrapers. Visit Fitzroy Gardens, learn its gold-rush past at Melbourne Museum, browse Queen Victoria Market, and duck into laneways for cafes and shops. Its diversity shines in places like St Kilda, Carlton's Lygon Street, and Richmond's Vietnamese eateries.

Make the most of Sydney: stroll Circular Quay and the waterfront, admire the Opera House, explore the historic Rocks under the Harbour Bridge, head to the Blue Mountains for the world's steepest railway, meet Australian wildlife at Koala Park Sanctuary, and finish with a drink at a traditional Aussie pub.